You'd think that deciding on the type of car you want would be easy, but that's not always the case. Salespeople can be very persuasive and it's all too easy to fall in love with some inappropriate and impractical car.
These tips should help you make the right decision.
Will the car fit?
How big is your drive, garage, carport, or even parking space outside your house, or place of work? There's no point buying a car that's going to be too big.
You could take measurements, but even better why not borrow a car with the seller’s permission and take it home, and then you will know for certain.
Will you all fit in the car?
Don’t forget that it isn’t just you who will be using the car. Dogs, children and other halves must be able to fit in.
Other people’s opinions are crucial to the decision, and family harmony for that matter.
Are you sitting comfortably?
Tall, short, fat, thin, we're all different shapes and sizes, and may have different ailments.
If you want to avoid the osteopath’s table, make sure the driver’s seat is supportive. Most importantly make sure that the steering column and seat is adjustable, so that you can see out clearly and reach all the controls comfortably without having to sit too far back from, or too close to, the steering wheel.
Can the car cope?
Sounds obvious, but you need to be clear on what you want your next car to do.
Tow a caravan? Then the car needs a large engine and should possibly be a four-wheel drive.
Sticking to local journeys and commutes? Then a small hatchback might be enough.
Only you will know.
Should you choose electric?
This is rapidly becoming the most important question to answer. The UK has committed to end the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030.
With this in mind, you might want to seriously consider going electric with your next new car.
What about image?
Even though we like to think we’d only buy a car for sensible, practical and financial reasons, what the car looks like and the badge on the front is often a vitally important part of the decision-making process. It's all about credibility and some cars have it, whilst others don’t.
Whatever car you choose, see how much you can save on your car insurance with Churchill.
